Virtuos Studio Slashes Workforce: 270 Employees Affected Amid Oblivion Remastered Developments

Virtuos, the studio behind The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, recently announced layoffs affecting 270 employees, about 7% of its workforce. The news was first reported by Gauthier Andres from Origami and later confirmed by Virtuos. The company, known for its work on titles like the recent update for Cyberpunk 2077, has over 4,200 staff across various regions, including the US, Europe, and Asia.

The layoffs primarily target teams experiencing a slowdown due to changes in the gaming industry. Most cuts are happening in Asia, with around 200 positions eliminated, and about 70 in Europe. Virtuos mentioned that fewer than 10 layoffs will occur in France, where the main team for Oblivion Remastered is based. The company is offering layoff packages and career transition help to those affected.

Virtuos is adapting to market demands. Over the last year, they acquired several studios, including Beyond-FX and Pipeworks, which enhance their capabilities in visual effects and game design. In their statement, Virtuos emphasized the need to align team locations with client demands for creative projects, making these layoffs a strategic move based on market shifts.

Interestingly, even in a busy studio like Virtuos, layoffs highlight a broader trend. The gaming industry, despite steady work on remasters and updates, is facing challenges. Recently, Microsoft’s Xbox division also saw significant cuts, canceling projects and shutting down studios. This reflects a turbulent time in the gaming world, as companies navigate changing consumer preferences and tighter budgets.

Moreover, a survey by the International Game Developers Association found that over 50% of developers report increased job insecurity. This statistic underscores the urgency for gaming companies to adapt quickly to maintain their footing.

As Virtuos continues its work on high-profile projects like Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and Dune: Awakening, the industry landscape poses questions about sustainability and growth. The current scenario illustrates the delicate balance companies must strike to keep innovation alive while managing resources effectively.

For more information on workforce trends in the gaming industry, you can check [this report by the International Game Developers Association](https://www.igda.org).

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